13 things to do this week in NYC, May 14-20

A maze that’s also a personality test and an underground sculpture garden are just two of the over 1,000 contemporary art pieces on display at Randall’s Island this weekend. Browse with treats from local shops in hand, like Milk Bar, Prime Meats and Parlor Coffee, and if you know as little about modern art as we do, there are seminars, workshops and other events taking place throughout the park.

Harlem is heating up as a foodie destination, so get to know some of the big names at this inaugural celebration spearheaded by chef Marcus Samuelsson, who just doubled down on the neighborhood with Streetbird Rotisserie. Events are individually ticketed and include talks, special dinners, a grand tasting in Morningside Park, demos from local chefs and A Sunday Afternoon in Harlemof local art, live music and a la carte tastings.

A crowded happy hour often means standing around the bar, which isn’t appealing after a long day at work. But this happy hour pretty much guarantees comfort for your feet with a custom fitting for SOLS insoles (plus a lesson on how they use 3-D printers to make them). Tonight, SOLS hosts Sip Into Spring, a beer and wine tasting with samples from local shops. If you miss this chance, you can catch one of SOLS’ Martini Mondays, every week from 5-7 p.m. through June 22.

There is such a thing as a free lunch in NYC (even without singing and dancing on the subway platform). Sample delicious Camemberts and Bries, and buy your favorites for half-price. Meanwhile, outside, the Gorilla Cheese NYC food truck will be handing out free samples of what magic happens when you melt cheese between two pieces of bread, or over some noodles.

Sometimes an event just sells itself, and this is, indeed, a great big bacon-centric event. We’re talking 100 chefs, mixologists and other bacon masters putting their best pork forward for your endless consumption (well, during your 2.5 to 3.5-hour session, anyway). There’ll be a bacon bar, best dish competitions and live music from the High & Mighty Brass Band.

Subtitled “A Surreal Party,” expect nothing less from the hotel that stages “Sleep No More.” The decadent party will feature theatrical and musical performances throughout all levels of the hotel, a full open bar, DJs and “surprises.” One caveat: The strictly enforced dress code requires either attire inspired by the surreal, or all white.

Not everyone can become a professional dancer, and plenty of trained artists move on to 9-to-5 careers after years of formal practice. DanceWorks NYC invites those hobbyists to take classes and participate in live performances like this weekend’s recital. Shows include hip-hop, ballet, jazz and more, all of which might leave you wondering what’s stopping you from pursuing your own hidden dreams.

This is the third weekend in a row of bacon-centric events, so stuff it to everyone saying it’s going out style. In addition to all the outdoor pork goodness made by chefs including Kurt Gutenbrunner of Wallse, there will be barrels of punch (bowls are for amateurs), music by Austin Millz and funds going to KIPP Brooklyn.

If you’ve been meaning to donate to Nepal following the recent earthquake, then check out this concert headlined by Patti Smith to benefit the survivors as well as their neighbors in vulnerable areas of the Himalayas served by the RPM Disaster Strikes Fund.

Bust the summer heat with a glass of fizzy Txakoli, a dry white wine from the Basque region of Spain, or try some from all of the 20 wineries turning out for this celebration. Along for the cookout in Txikito’s alley will be some serious heavy hitters like Co. Pizzeria, Bar Mateo, Dirt Candy and more, and proceeds benefit MS Hope for a Cure.

“The Last Ship” may already have shuttered on Broadway, but Sting’s musical is up for two Tony Awards next month and has a pretty great soundtrack when it’s not bogged down by a weak plot. See the 16-time Grammy winner performing some of it for two special performances next week to benefit The Actors Fund. Sting will be backed by an eight-piece band at The Heath, the restaurant located inside the McKittrick Hotel, home to “Sleep No More.”

Most of us New Yorkers are not lucky enough to have our own backyards, but our green thumbs can still get some exercise at the Downtown Alliance’s free planting event this weekend. Show up at noon to help beautify the Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza by Trinity Church. Tools, soil and other supplies will be supplied, just come dressed to dig.

Combining swing dancing with other genres, from salsa to line dancing, the Lincoln Center's annual fest provides live music from top bands; if you don’t know the steps, a brief lesson kicks off each session. The event runs from June 23-July 11; secure your spot on the dance floor for $17, or dance on the sidelines for free. Your ticket also gets you into Silent Disco during late-night hours, which is $5 otherwise.